Medina Area Partnership seeks sponsors for downtown flowers

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 February 2026 at 1:46 pm

Provided photo: A grouping of flower pots is positioned in front of Rotary Park at the four corners of downtown Medina. The Medina Area Partnership is seeking donations to place 69 flower pots in the business district this summer.

MEDINA – Beautifying the downtown business district has always been a major goal of the Medina Area Partnership, and in continuing that long trend they have announced plans to place 69 flower pots throughout the downtown, in addition to four hanging baskets at the intersection of Main and Center streets.

To achieve that initiative they are seeking monetary donations from the public to assist with the cost of flowers, soil and other products associated with the project.

“These efforts are not possible without the support of the community and help from the village DPW in placing and watering the plants,” said Mary Lewis of Creekside Floral who chairs the project.

Lewis said the downtown flower project was started about 20 years ago by the Medina Business Association, which became Medina Area Partnership. She doesn’t know how many pots were originally sponsored, but she is sure the number steadily grew to the 69 flower pots and four hanging baskets they have had in recent years.

She said they have limited the pots to that number, as they have to rely on the Department of Public Works to place and water the pots all summer.

“We couldn’t do this without them, and we don’t want to over-burden them,” Lewis said.

Lewis also stressed their efforts would not be possible without the support of the community, on whom they count for donations to cover the costs associated with the project.

The cost to sponsor a flower pot is $100 and anyone who is interested should send a check payable to Medina Area Partnership, in care of Creekside Floral, 509 Main St., Medina. Sponsors will be recognized on a sign in a flowerpot, on the large sign outside of City Hall and on the MAP website.

Donations of any amount will also be accepted to assist with beautification projects. Donation forms can be found on MAP’s website.

Lewis urges everyone to consider helping them continue to make Medina’s downtown community and greater Medina area an attractive place to visit.

Lewis notes that signs may not be placed until June 30.

Anyone with questions is welcome to contact Lewis at Creekside Floral.

AME students at BOCES celebrated for commitments to paid co-ops

Posted 26 February 2026 at 1:25 pm

Provided photo: These students were recognized on Wednesday for committing to paid co-ops. From left include Joshua Zayac (Albion), Tyler Rothwell (Royalton-Hartland), Elliot Beyrle (Albion), Miles Arbegast (Medina), Deven Byrne (Medina), Carson Schwab (Barker) and Aaden Munn (Barker).

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – There was a celebration on Wednesday evening at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students in teacher Bill Rakonczay’s program had their annual Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program signing event. The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program bridges the gap between youth and manufacturing careers through apprenticeships, job shadows and paid co-ops. Students gain skills and experience while connecting to future career opportunities.

“Students get recognized for signing on to play college sports, correct? Why not recognize students signing on to the workforce?” Mr. Rakonczay said.

The students were recognized for officially signing on to their paid co-op program. Each student received a swag bag from the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship that included a caliper and micrometer set.

“Thank you to all the parents that showed up to support their loved one,” said Mr. Rakonczay. “A huge thank you to our local employers that support my program and students. Without them none of this would be possible. I am so proud of these students!”

Hochul demands tariff refunds for New Yorkers

Posted 26 February 2026 at 1:12 pm

Governor says average NY household owed $1,751

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling on him to immediately work with federal agencies to refund all tariff payments to New Yorkers.

Following the recent Supreme Court decision that ruled President Trump’s tariff policies to be unlawful, Governor Hochul continues to demand a full refund of $13.5 billion in tariff payments.

Based on estimates by the Budget Lab at Yale, the average New York household has faced an estimated $1,751 in added costs due to tariffs since they were enacted last year, for a total estimated $13.5 billion statewide impact.

The full text of the letter is included below:

The Honorable Scott Bessent

Secretary of the Treasury

U.S. Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Secretary Bessent,

On behalf of over 20 million New Yorkers, I demand the Trump Administration refund approximately $1,751 for every New York household, for a total tariff refund of approximately $13.5 billion to New Yorkers. To that end, I am calling on the Department of the Treasury to coordinate with appropriate agencies and immediately formulate and implement a plan to refund all tariff proceeds.

Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Trump administration’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful. These unlawful taxes wrought havoc on the American economy and increased costs for hard-working families.

Having unlawfully seized billions of dollars from American people and businesses, the federal government should now do the right thing: give it back. Based on estimates by the Budget Lab at Yale, the average New York household has faced an estimated $1,751 in added costs due to tariffs since they were enacted last year, for a total estimated $13.5 billion statewide impact.

New Yorkers have felt the consequences of these tariffs ripple through every sector of our economy. Consumers have paid dramatically more for everyday goods. Small businesses have faced increased supply and equipment costs. Our state’s farming industry has taken a particular hit, with farmers reporting an added layer of uncertainty that makes planning and future investment challenging.

Millions of New Yorkers are owed a refund for the real and widespread consequences of President Trump’s reckless and illegal tariff policy. Compensation is owed to the people of New York, and New Yorkers look forward to receiving our payout in full.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul

Governor

Holley awarded grant to upgrade canal trail, enclose pavilion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 February 2026 at 11:50 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: Cyclists on last summer’s Cycling the Erie Canal adventure stopped in Holley on July 14. About 600 cyclists traveled over eight days from Buffalo to Albany.

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley has been awarded a grant to enhance its canalway trail with bike racks, a repair and charging station, LED lighting, and an enclosed pavilion to support year-round community use, tourism and safety.

The grant was announced today by the NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Holley is among 41 non-profit organizations and municipalities to receive 2026 NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $207,953.

The grants will support 11 tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 31 events along canal waterways and the Canalway Trail.

Grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $808,104 in additional support. Now in its fifth year, this grants program has invested approximately $1 million in amenity improvements and events to date.

Two events in Orleans County also were approved for funding:

Semi-quincentennial Building Bricks Event on June 13 in Medina. The Village of Medina Tourism is planning the event to honor the nation’s 250th birthday at a one-day, all-ages event where participants build brick creations that represent America’s founding. Compete for age-based and creativity awards on the eve of Flag Day, where builders may even recreate the American flag in bricks.
Erie Canal Artisan Festival from Aug. 28-30 in Holley. The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is planning the event as a celebration of heritage, creativity, and community spirit. Artisan vendors, live performances, cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, evening concerts, outdoor movies, and a Saturday 5k/10k canal-side run round out a weekend of fun.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “As we begin our third century of operation, ensuring that New York’s canals can be enjoyed by everyone is a top priority. This grant program represents our commitment to supporting accessibility, as well as the corridor’s communities and nonprofits. This in turn ensures a Canalway that is a vibrant, accessible destination for both residents and visitors alike.”

Events ranging from large festivals to community celebrations to recreational activities invite people with and without disabilities to enjoy the Canalway Corridor all year long. Infrastructure and amenity grants will fund accessibility updates, trail enhancements, restroom renovations and interpretive signage, enhancing the visitor experience for years to come.

Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said: “We’re proud to support these community events and improvement projects. When we work together, we make the Canalway Corridor a more welcoming place for everyone—offering more ways to enjoy the waterway and strengthening heritage tourism. I encourage everyone to check out the events and mark your calendars for the 2026 canal season.”

To see all the tourism infrastructure and events grants, click here.

The cyclists stopped for some refreshments by the gazebo at Holley’s Canal Park.

Kendall will again face a familiar G-R foe

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 February 2026 at 10:27 am

For the second playoff game in a row Kendall will take on a very familiar opponent as the No. 6 seed Eagles will face Genesee Region League foe No. 3 Pembroke in the Section V Class C1 quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Oakfield-Alabama.

Kendall, which downed G-R foe Byron-Bergen 70-46 in the opening round, lost to Pembroke twice during the G-R campaign by scores of 58-52 and 56-39.

Kendall brings a 15-6 record into the contest while Pembroke, which defeated Letchworth 50-30 in the opening round, is 19-2.

The victor will face the winner of the No. 2 Geneseo vs. No. 7 Alexander game in the semifinals on Monday.

Barker, Wilson in quarterfinals tonight
Section VI Class C quarterfinal round games this evening at 7 will have No. 12 Barker at No. 4 Westfield and No. 8 Portville at No. 1 Wilson.

The winners will advance to the semifinals on Tuesday at Jamestown Community College.

Local duo set for state wrestling championships this weekend at Albany

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 February 2026 at 10:11 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart/Barker’s RJ Townsend, left, and Albion’s Stryker Sanders will be competing in the state wrestling championships this weekend in Albany.

Two local wrestlers – Albion freshman Stryker Sanders (118) and Roy-Hart/Barker junior RJ Townsend (285) – will be competing in the state Division 2 championships this weekend at Albany.

It will be the second trip to the states for Sanders who went 2-2 a year ago, and the first for Townsend.

Sanders, the No. 13 seed, who is 37-6 will open against No. 20 Tristan Bellis a junior from Red Jacket who is 34-4.

The victor will face No. 4 seed Lukas Mills-Travis, a junior from Bath Haverling who is 37-4 in the second round.

“Stryker really needs to stick to his game. Move his feet, stay disciplined and focus on scoring the next points,” said his father Albion Coach Mike Sanders. ” Everybody is tough at this level. So sticking to what has worked for him throughout the season is important. That, and he has to keep his foot on the gas pedal all six minutes.”

Townsend, who is 33-4 and the No. 21 seed, will open against No. 12 seed Trey Parker a sophomore from Susquehanna Valley with a 32-10 record.

The victor will face No. 5 seed Nick Oosterom, a junior from Port Jervis, who is 38-3.

“RJ will need to continue to wrestle well on his feet to be successful,” said Roy-Hart/Barker Coach Matt McCauley. “We will also try to avoid being on the bottom since we give up around 30 pounds to the heavy kids in the 285 class.”

The first two rounds and the quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday with the semifinals and finals on Saturday.

The Nisgara-Orleans Lesgue will also be represented at the state championships by Akron senior Joey Burg (165) and Newfane junior Jake Morello (150).

Lyndonville Lions Club holds Snowflake Bowling Tourney

Posted 26 February 2026 at 9:53 am

Community eyeglass clinic planned for March 21

Provided photo: Russ Martino, right, presents the trophy to the winning team in Saturday’s second annual Winter Snowflake Bowling Tournament. The team includes Jeff Annable, Tom Mocarski, Jeff Black and Ken Schubert.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

MEDINA – The Lyndonville Lions Club closed out their winter schedule with the second annual Winter Snowflake Bowling Tournament on Saturday at Medina Lanes. Over 60 participants enjoyed the event, which saw the defending champions once again take home the top prize. The event also featured a silent auction, basket raffle, and complimentary pizza and wings for all attendees

The winning team – Jeff Annable, Tom Mocarski, Jeff Black and Ken Schubert – retained the trophy and will be ready to defend their title at next year’s tournament. In true Olympic spirit, team members received gold medals to recognize their achievement.

The Lyndonville Lions Club is excited to announce its 6th Annual Free Community Eyeglass Clinic at the White Birch on Saturday, March 21, beginning at 9 a.m. Future informational ads will provide additional details. Participants can receive a free eye examination, glaucoma screening, and a pair of eyeglasses. The University of Rochester Mobile Eye Exam Unit is expected to be on site to provide information and additional services.

The Lions Club will also conduct vision screenings for Lyndonville students on March 5, ensuring that any children who need professional eye exams or glasses can take full advantage of the upcoming Eyeglass Clinic.

Additionally, the Lyndonville Lions will continue to support community traditions:

Easter Egg Hunt: Enjoy a hot dog and beverage service at the community-wide Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, at the Lyndonville School.
Mother’s Day Roses: Our long-standing tradition of selling roses for Mother’s Day will continue. Roses will be available for purchase starting the first week of May, with orders accepted through the White Birch Resort or Lyndonville School.

We look forward to seeing the community at these events!

The Lyndonville Lions Club is gearing up for the largest July 4th Celebration in Orleans County history, as the nation marks its 250th year of Independence. More details will be shared in the coming months as we get closer to this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Any organizations, clubs, or individuals interested in participating in this year’s July 4th celebration are encouraged to send an email to susanhrovat@gmail.com for application materials. The Club invites businesses and local organizations to join with floats, marchers, or business vehicles for inclusion in this year’s event.

A special Grand Marshal will be announced in early June, and once again, the Lions Club has requested a military flyover to kick off the celebration.

Albion village officials determined to keep taxes in check, but would still exceed tax cap

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 February 2026 at 8:41 am

ALBION – The Albion Village Board voted on Wednesday to override the tax cap in the 2026-27 village budget, a spending plan that needs to be adopted by April 30.

The tax cap usually allows for about a 2 percent increase in the ta x levy, but for the village the calculation shows Albion would have to cut taxes significantly to be under the cap.

With the village’s current budget, Albion’s tax levy is $3,463,463. However, the village can only take in about $3.2 million with the new budget to be under the cap, said Tracy Van Skiver, the village’s clerk-treasurer.

Albion’s number is below the current tax levy because the fire department moved out of the village budget in 2025 and is now its own taxing entity through the Albion Joint Fire District.

Although Albion and other villages typically vote to exceed the tax cap in March, before the final budget is adopted, that doesn’t mean those municipalities have to go beyond the tax cap. This gives them the option to exceed it.

Albion most likely will be above the tax cap. The Village Board would have to cut well over $200,000 from the current budget to get under the cap.

Van Skiver and board members said they are focused on not raising taxes in the upcoming budget.

The village’s taxes have seen steady increases in recent years. The 2025-26 budget increased taxes by 11 percent, even without the fire department in the budget. The tax levy, what the village collects in property taxes, went up $345,650 – from $3,117,813 to $3,463,463.

The village’s tax levy is up $612,407 over the past three years – 21.5 percent. The tax levy went from $2,851,056 in 2022-23 to $3,463,463 in 2025-26.

Rick Merrill, a village resident, told the board the rising taxes are putting a strain on him and other residents, especially when increases in utilities, health insurance and car insurance are included. He said his village taxes have increased by $900 a year.

“It’s hard to get ahead of the game,” Merrill said during a public hearing. “It’s not just you (Village of Albion). It’s the whole state. It’s tax, tax, tax.”

Van Skiver said the village is in a better position for the 2026-27. The board needed to replenish the village’s contingency funds and also establish some reserve funds in 2025-26.

The current tax rate is $15.99 per $1,000 of assessed property. Trustee Joyce Riley said the board will be focused on keeping it at $15.99 in the new budget.

“There’s nothing that makes us want to go over $15.99,” Riley said. “We’re taxpayers just like you.”

Mayor Angel Javier Jr. also said he doesn’t support increasing taxes. He voted against exceeding the tax cap.

Van Skiver said the village faces increasing costs, just like residents, that makes it difficult to cut more than $200,000 from the 2025-26 budget level to next year’s.

Trustee Will Gabalski said the community would have to decide to eliminate services if it wanted to get under the tax cap and reduce taxes. Gabalski said that could ultimately mean dissolving the village and having the services currently provided by the village be shifted to the towns of Albion and Gaines, and also Orleans County.

“If you want the village to exist and provide these services, this is what it costs,” Gabalski said. “If you’re not willing to pay those costs, you could have the towns and county do them.”

Temporary roof will soon be constructed on downtown Albion building; Owner could choose demolition for structure

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2026 at 9:15 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: There are dumpsters in front of a building at 20 East Bank St. where a roof collapsed last week on Feb. 17. The roof collapsed near the middle of the taller brick building. The street is blocked off to traffic for about a half block from Platt Street going towards Main Street. The fence is expected to be in place for at least two more weeks.

ALBION – The owner of a building where a roof collapsed last week will soon have a temporary roof on the structure and is working to get apartments reopened for displaced residents.

Frank Corso owns the three-story building where the roof caved in on Feb. 17. A temporary roof covering 70 feet will soon be constructed. Jeff Holler, manager of the property, told the Village Board this evening he expects fencing will be able to be removed after about two weeks.

The entire block from Platt Street to Main Street was fenced off to traffic the night of Feb. 17 with village officials concerned the building may not be structurally sound, posing a danger to the public.

An engineer reviewed the site two days later on Feb. 19 and deemed the building structurally sound. About half of the fence was removed. It remains in place from Platt Street to about halfway towards Main Street. It also is blocking off cars from parking in the village municipal lot at the corner of East Bank and Platt streets.

Holler said he and Corso are getting estimates for a permanent roof replacement as well as other work on the building. The costs are expected to be high, perhaps more than Corso can afford on a property that was underinsured, Holler said.

Corso may ultimately decide to have the site demolished or sold, Holler said.

The owner is committed to the temporary roof at a cost of about $25,000, and then getting some of the apartments open for tenants again. About 15 people have been displaced since the roof collapsed.

Right now, Corso is having debris removed from the building. The materials for the temporary roof have arrived, Holler said.

Lady Tigers, Lady Eagles score sectional wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 February 2026 at 8:12 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Lilly Raduns puts up a shot during the Lady Tigers home court sectional win over Lima Christian this evening.

A big third quarter scoring surge rallied No. 8 seed Lyndonville to a come-from-behind 46-37 win over visiting No. 9 Lima Christian in a Section V Class D girls basketball playoff game this evening.

Trailing 23-20 at the half, Lyndonville came rallying back with an 18-10 third period scoring edge to rally into the lead for good at 38-33.

Isabella Groves spearheaded that rally with 10 points, including a three, as Alexa Robinson had a pair of baskets and Hannah Fox hit a three.

The Lady Tigers then put a lock on the victory by outscoring the Saints 8-0 over the first seven minutes of the final period to extend the lead to 13 at 46-33.

Fox had two baskets during that spurt as Groves and Lilly Raduns each had one.

Groves finished with 14, Robinson 13 and Fox 10 to lead the Lady Tigers. Leah Costello added 3 as Raduns, Braelynn Dillenbeck and Leah Kenyon each had 2.

Alyssa Marsh and Brielle Hammond each scored 10 to lead Lima Christian.

Improving to 11-10, Lyndonville will next visit top seeded Avoca-Prattsburgh (17-3) on Saturday.

Isabella Groves puts up an off balanced shot in traffic for Lyndonville.

Kendall 63, HAC 41
Building up a 29-19 half-time lead, No. 9 Kendall went on to defeat No.8 HAC 63-41 in a Class C1 contest this evening at HAC.

Mia Price scored 21, Teagan Shaw 15, Sophia Picardo 10, Stella Kwiatek 9, Izzy D’Agostino 6 and Payton Vogt 2 for Kendall.

Kendall will next face the winner of the No. 1 Letchworth vs. No. 16 Rochester Academy game on Saturday.

Section VI Girls Playoffs
No. 5 Akron defeated No. 13 JFK 62-44 in a Section VI Class B game and No. 3 Wilson bested No. 6 Westfield 38-33 in a Class C game.

Section V Boys Playoffs
No. 5 Williamson downed visiting No. 12 Holley 82-57 in a Class B2 contest.

Avante Walker scored 22, Josh Silpoch 12 and Cam Mosier 11 for Holley.

Lyndonville’s Alexa Robinson goes in for a layup.

Tenney sets March 9 deadline for communities to apply for funding

Posted 25 February 2026 at 3:54 pm

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the launch of the Community Project Funding (CPF) process for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27). The deadline for this year’s submissions is March 9th at close of business.

The CPF process is an important way for members of Congress to advocate for projects that directly benefit our communities across New York’s 24th District. It ensures transparency, accountability, and congressional oversight in the funding process rather than leaving critical decisions solely to Washington without local input.

The CPF program allows eligible local governments and non-profit organizations to submit requests for federal funding for high-priority community projects. All proposals are thoroughly vetted, must demonstrate strong local support, and are subject to strict oversight requirements.

All CPF applications supported by Congresswoman Tenney’s office must meet rigorous eligibility standards outlined in the appropriations guidance and include a clear, detailed plan to execute funds responsibly and efficiently. Tenney’s office works closely with applicants to ensure that any awarded funds are used appropriately and deliver meaningful results for the district.

Local elected officials and non-profit organizations interested in submitting applications or seeking additional information should email: AppropriationsRequestsNY24@mail.house.gov.

Judge sentences 2 to incarceration for violating probation in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2026 at 3:43 pm

ALBION – Two people were sentenced to incarceration today in Orleans County Court.

Reginald Lucas, 37, of Albion was given a 1- to 3-year in state prison after he committed several probation violations.

Judge Sanford Church revoked probation for Lucas, who was on probation for third-degree burglary. He admitted to failing to report to probation four times, not maintaining gainful employment, not going to substance abuse counseling or completing anger management counseling through a certified provider.

Lucas has already been in the jail for 240 days. His attorney, public defender Joanne Best, asked the judge consider time served as the sentence or up to a year in the county jail. She said Lucas has completed classes in the jail and has been working to better himself.

“I apologize for my actions that got me here,” Lucas told the judge. “I’m deeply ashamed. I take responsibility for my actions. I’m working very hard at change.”

Judge Church gave Lucas a state prison sentence, saying he did very little to meet the terms of being on probation.

• In other cases, Austin Buzard, 27, of Carlton was sentenced to up to 364 days in the county jail for probation violations. Buzard was on probation after being convicted of second-degree attempted assault. He admitted to using cocaine, consuming THC, not being truthful with probation, being dismissed from two domestic violence counseling programs, and other violations.

“I’m sorry,” Buzard told the judge during sentencing. “I’m trying to do better in my life.”

• Richard Neal, 36, of Medina was arraigned for felony driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was charged by State Police on Aug. 25 after allegedly driving a motorcycle on Route 31 in Ridgeway while intoxicated and without a license.

• The judge issued a warrant for Devon A. Robinson, 32, of Rochester who was scheduled to be sentenced but didn’t show up in court.

Robinson faced up to five years in state prison for criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. He admitted in a prior court appearance to having an ATV valued at more than $3,000 that he knew was stolen. The Arctic Cat ATV was taken from Hulberton Road in Holley on July 26, 2024.

Gillibrand urges Trump to refund small businesses and consumers for ‘illegal tariifs’

Posted 25 February 2026 at 2:50 pm

Press Release, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that President Trump end his tariff chaos and refund American consumers and small businesses what they paid in tariff cost increases.

“New Yorkers deserve better than President Trump’s tariffs and cost-increasing chaos. Prices are up for housing, groceries, electricity, and other everyday essentials because of President Trump’s tariffs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Last week, the Supreme Court confirmed what Democrats have been saying for months—President Trump’s tariffs are illegal. I’m demanding that the Trump administration follow the law, end these harmful tariffs once and for all, and refund small businesses and consumers for the costs they incurred from the illegal tariffs.”

Senator Gillibrand’s demands follow the Supreme Court’s decision last week to strike down President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs. These illegal tariffs generated over $130 billion in revenue, an estimated 96% of which came from American businesses and consumers, and affected nearly all imported goods. Trump’s overall tariff scheme costs New York families $4,200 per household annually.

This week, Senator Gillibrand demanded that the Trump administration immediately begin issuing refunds to small businesses for the additional costs they incurred from the illegal tariffs and ensure that those funds are passed through to consumers.

Senator Gillibrand has opposed President Trump’s tariffs since the start of his administration. Last year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act to end Trump’s Tariff Tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. She also sent a legal brief with 206 members of Congress emphasizing to the Supreme Court that these tariffs are illegal.

Ierlan offered plea deal to pay full restitution, avoid jail in grand larceny case

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2026 at 11:56 am

Melissa Ierlan

ALBION – Melissa Ierlan was offered a plea deal today where she would not face any jail or prison time in a felony grand larceny case. She would need to pay full restitution, a figure determined to be $102,752 by the state comptroller’s office.

Ierlan, who worked many years as the Clarendon code enforcement officer and cemetery administrator, also has been president of the Clarendon Historical Society. In the Historical Society role she is alleged to have falsified records to steal $102,752.

On Dec. 30, she was charged with first-degree and second-degree grand larceny with property value exceeding $50,000. The most serious charge carries a maximum of 5 to 15 years in state prison.

As part of a plea offer today, if she pleads guilty to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, she would not face incarceration. The offer was presented by Assistant District Attorney Daniel Punch.

Ierlan appeared in court with her attorney, George Muscato. He asked for time to consider the offer. Ierlan wasn’t given a date for her next court appearance.

Ierlan appeared this morning before County Court Judge Sanford Church, who is serving as acting town court judge because the Clarendon Town Justice Thomas DiFante recused himself.

The case remains at the local court level and not at County Court. If Ierlan declines the plea offer, the case is expected to go to the grand jury which could issue an indictment and put the case at the county court level.

The criminal complaint against Ierlan says she took more than $50,000 from the Clarendon Historical Society between Dec. 16, 2020 and Sept. 27, 2025 while acting as president and financial controller.

Ierlan is accused of falsifying meeting minutes in order to collect on a $102,752 life insurance policy of a community member who died.